4-H Animal Science

• All NH 4-H animals exhibited at a NH 4-H show or fair must be added to the member’s 4HOnline account by the June 1 of the current year. Use these instructions to enroll your animal. (Helmet release forms (horses only) and lease paperwork are also due to be uploaded at this time).
• Animals registered with a breed registry and owned in the member’s name must also be enrolled through 4HOnline to exhibit at a NH 4-H show or fair.
• Youth 12 and older interested in participating at the Big E (https://www.thebige.com/) with their animals have special deadlines to enter their animals into 4-HOnline (see NH 4-H Animal Requirements and Deadlines for more information)
• Enrolling an animal does not commit a 4-H member to participating at a fair or register them for a show, but rather expresses interest in the opportunity. Animals enrolled in 4-HOnline are not required to attend a show once entered (youth should take a proactive approach and enter their animals by the corresponding deadlines in case they would like to participate in an opportunity)

Each member who enrolls their animals by the June 1 deadline will receive a NH 4-H Animal Science t-shirt.

Species that are required to enroll through 4HOnline to participate in a NH 4-H Animal Show, Fair, or Event:

• Beef
• Dairy Cattle
• Dog
• Goat (all types)
• Horse/ Equine
• Llama & Alpaca
• Poultry
• Rabbit & Cavies
• Sheep
• Swine
• Waterfowl
• Working Steer

Please see the NH 4-H Animal Requirements and Deadlines for information on everything you need to know about deadlines, vaccinations, animal age, rabies requirements and animal ID.  

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Beef Project

The 4-H Beef project will open the door to many learning and fun-filled experiences. When you enrolled in this project, you became part of one of the largest livestock enterprises in the United States.

Your project begins when you choose a steer or heifer. The 4-H steer project is designed for the 4-H member who desires to feed, fit and show a beef animal. Most steers will be full-fed for five months or longer, depending on the starting age. The steer should reach the desired market weight (950-1100 lbs.) and grade (choice) between 14 to 18 months of age. At this time, you will show and market him as a finished beef steer. Each summer and fall 4-H steer shows are held. Your steer, when purchased, should be the right age to be shown and marketed at one of these events.

The 4-H beef heifer project emphasizes growing, developing, and showing a heifer, and then building a herd of cows. This is a long-term investment. Obviously, you should consider farm conditions for future expansion before considering a beef heifer project.

4-H beef members can participate in field days to learn new skills. They also may attend many fairs or shows and make many lifelong friends. 4-H members, 12 and older, may participate with their animals at the New England 4-H Beef Competition at the Eastern States Exposition. Members may choose to participate with a heifer or a steer. All animals shown in 4-H at Eastern States may be no older than a yearling.

Required Participant Age:  8-18 as of January 1 of the current year (12 and older to go on to ESE)

Required Animal Age:  4 months or older

Recommended Animal Vaccinations:  Rabies vaccination (recommended vet administered) 30 days and not more than one year prior to the date of the show. Animal must originate from a non-quarantined, tuberculosis-negative herd.

Required Animal Identification:  Permanent ID – Ear tag (preferred) or legible tattoo.

Approval Forms:  Must be complete with all information and signatures.

Beef STEERS that will show at ESE.           Due Date: February 1st
Beef HEIFERS that will show at ESE.          Due Date: May 1st
OTHER beef.                                                          Due Date: June 1st

Owned/Leased Form:  Ownership or Lease form must be complete with animal information and all signatures.     Due Date: Must correspond with approval form date

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals – If a 4-H member’s ONLY project animals dies, is critically ill to the point of being “unusable”, or is deemed unsafe for the 4-H member to use as a project, after having been properly listed on their approval form, the County 4-H staff member may verify the loss or condition, and allow the 4-H member one replacement project animal. A new approval form is to be submitted. In this instance, the replacement animal can be shown at all fairs (except Eastern States).

If a 4-H member’s animals are unable to be exhibited for any reason (illness, death, etc.) and they have other project animals listed on their approval form that are eligible, then there is never any substitution allowed. They may only show the remaining animals on their approval form only.

Should a county have a member who misses an appropriate deadline, due to their not owning an animal at the time of the deadline or their only project animal(s) is (are) sick, the county may make an exception for their county only. When a County makes the exception the youth’s approval form must be marked that these animals can be shown at their county fair only.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals - Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended. Rabies vaccinations cannot be given to 4-H animals under three months of age AND we require the vaccination be given at least 30 days prior to exhibiting an animal. Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book for additional health requirements.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Dairy Project

4-H Dairy project members participate in one of the largest animal project areas. In addition to learning about and caring for an animal, 4-Hers can also participate in quiz bowls, judging clinics and contests, clinics that teach you how to prepare for a show, as well as the opportunity to attend National Dairy Conference. They also may attend many fairs or shows and make many lifelong friends. Non-farm youth can participate by leasing an animal from one of New Hampshire’s dairy farmers or participating in
project aspects that do not require an animal.

 The New Hampshire dairy industry impacts state and local economies with more than $141 million in total output, 3717 jobs and more than $19 million in labor income. Dairy farming also helps support many businesses related to the production of milk such as feed stores, milking equipment suppliers and tractor dealerships.

Up to 36 4-H members, 12 and older, are selected with their animals to attend the New England 4-H Dairy Competition at the Eastern States Exposition. This competition brings together the best 4-Hers in the dairy project from throughout the New England area. The selection process is based on the animal’s confirmation, fitting and showmanship, and a quiz. Selection takes place at the 4-H Dairy Qualifying
Event held in August in conjunction with the New Hampshire PDCA Dairy Show.

Required Participant Age: 8 - 18 as of January of the current year
Required Animal Age: 4 months of age or older to go to any 4-H fair or event
Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination (recommended vet administered) 30 days and not more than one year prior to the date of the show and must originate from non-quarantined, tuberculosis negative herd. Also, check the rules of the Fair.
Required Animal Identification: Permanent ID - Ear tag (preferred) or legible tattoo.

Intent to Show/Online Animal Registration Forms: Must be complete with animal information and all verification.
Due Date: June 1st at your county UNH Cooperative Extension office.

Lease Form (if applicable): Lease form must be complete with animal information and all signatures.
Due Date: June 1st at your county UNH Cooperative Extension office.

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals: If a 4-H member’s ONLY project animal dies, is critically ill to the point of being “unusable”, or is deemed unsafe for the 4-H member to use as a project, after having been properly listed on their approval form, the Extension Field Specialist or 4-H Program Coordinator may verify the loss or condition, and allow the 4-H member one replacement project animal. A new approval form is to be submitted. In this instance, the replacement animal can be shown at all fairs (except Eastern States).

If a 4-H member’s animals are unable to be exhibited for any reason (illness, death, etc.) and they have other project animals listed on their approval form that are eligible, then there is never any substitution allowed. They may show the remaining animals on their approval form only.

In the event that a 4-H dairy member’s ONLY approved project animal dies or is permanently injured, a replacement animal can be approved after May 1st for 4-H competition in NH if the loss is verified by an Extension Educator and ownership or lease is established. A replacement animal cannot be shown until after this verification has occurred.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals: Upon recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended. Rabies vaccinations cannot be given to 4-H animals under three months of age AND we require the vaccination be given at least 30 days prior to exhibiting
an animal. All 4-H project animals must be at least four months of age by show to be shown, exhibited or brought to any 4-H event.

Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book for additional health requirements.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Dog Project

Dogs have been part of the NH 4-H animal project offering since the late 1940’s. Though they are available in many breeds, a purebred dog is not required in 4-H. All that is required is that the 4-Her cares for the dog properly. In the dog project, members learn about dog and puppy care, training, nutrition, health, and careers. Knowledge can be gained by attending club meetings, clinics and dog camps. A youth can exhibit their knowledge by doing demonstrations, posters, displays and exhibiting and participating at county and state events, fairs, and dog shows. Classes for youth at 4-H shows and
fairs are: Family Dog (8 to 11 year old members only), Fitting & Show, Obedience, and Service Dog.

Youth 12 and older may participate at the 4-H Dog Show at Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in September/October if they have exhibited in at least one dog show and have obtained a score of 310 in the Knowledge Quiz, Fitting & Show and Obedience combined. The ESE Dog qualification form must be signed by the Show Superintendent to verify participation at show.

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year (12 and older for ESE (The Big E)
Required Animal Age: 6 months or older to be shown
Required Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination – initial vaccination must be current, and at least 30 days prior to shows or events. Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.

Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Distemper, Bordatella, (Kennel Cough), Lyme. Check with your veterinarian as vaccination and biosecurity recommendations change frequently.

Recommended Animal Identification: There is no permanent identification required although it is strongly suggested (microchip, tattoo).

4-H Dog Intent to Show Form/Online Animal Registration: Must be complete with dog information and all verifications, unless the animal is registered with a breed registry (such as AKC) solely in the member’s name by the deadline.

Due Date: June 1st of the current year.

Animal Borrowing Form (formerly Lease): Borrowing form must be complete with dog information and all signatures.
Due Date: June 1st of the current year.

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Dogs: If a member’s only project dog dies, becomes unhealthy or unsuitable, a replacement animal may be shown immediately after completion of a new Intent to Show,  provided the member had the original project dog verified on/before the June 1 deadline, however substitute animals are not allowed at Eastern States Exposition (Big E).

If a 4-H member has other project dogs listed on their intent to show form that are eligible, then there is no substitution allowed. They may only show the remaining dogs on their intent to show form only.

Newly enrolled members may complete the process after the June 1 deadline, but will not be eligible for ESE and may show in NH 4-H fairs and shows 30 days after completion.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Dogs: Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian must have administered the rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations cannot be given to 4-H animals under three
months of age AND vaccination must be given at least 30 days prior to exhibiting an animal. Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book or show paperwork for additional health requirements.
 

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Goat Project

4-H Dairy Goat members learn about caring for and raising dairy goats (goats that are bred to produce milk and other dairy products). This project provides opportunities to learn about goat nutrition, kidding, dairy goat products and general goat management. Members in this project may own or lease their animals.

The American Dairy Goat Association recognizes the following breeds, which may be shown in 4-H shows:
• Alpine • LaMancha • Nigerian Dwarf • Nubian • Oberhasli • Saanen • Sable • Toggenburg
• Experimental – When two different breeds of Purebred or American goats (except Nigerian) mate, their offspring are eligible to be recorded as Experimental and must be shown in the Recorded Grade class.
• American – the offspring of a sire and dam of the same breed that conforms to breed standards and has the correct number of consecutive generations of ancestors who conformed to breed standards (minimum 3 generations for does and 4 for bucks).

A female goat is called a doe. If they are less than a year old, they are sometimes called doelings. Males are bucks, or bucklings. Young goats are kids. They are never correctly called nannies or billies, although you might hear these terms applied in a story book.

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year (12 and older for Eastern States Exposition)

Required Animal Age: 4 months or older as of the date of the show or event. Does age 2 years and over must be producing milk to be shown.

Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination – initial vaccination must be at least 30 days prior to shows or events and must be current (not more than 1 year). Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.
Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Check with your veterinarian as vaccination and biosecurity recommendations change frequently.

Required Animal Identification: Permanent ID – The animal must have an ear tag, ear tattoo, tail tattoo or microchip (providing a reader is available) and an official scrapie ID. Dairy goats do not usually have ear tags. Most goats have a tattoo in their ear, or in the case of a LaMancha, on the bottom side of their tail.

Scrapie Tag or ID: All goats of any age or sex brought to a show or exhibition from either out of state or within state must possess a USDA approved individual identification tag, tattoo, or electronic implant consistent with the requirements of the Federal Scrapie Eradication Program. Most of the 4-H youth who show dairy goats in NH use the assigned tattoo number given to the goat from the American Dairy Goat Association as the Scrapie ID number. For more information, contact NH State Veterinary Services in Concord, Dr. Stephen Crawford, NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, phone 603-271-2404.

Intent to Show/Online Animal Registration and Lease Forms (if applicable): Must be complete with animal information and submitted online or to your county UNH Cooperative Extension office by June 1st.

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals - If a 4-H member’s ONLY project animal dies, is critically ill to the point of being “unusable” or is deemed unsafe for the 4-H member to use as a project, after having been properly listed on an Intent to Show form, 4-H Staff or volunteer may verify the loss or condition and allow the 4-H member one replacement project animal. A new Intent to Show form is to be submitted. In this instance, the replacement animal can be shown at all fairs (except Eastern States).

If a 4-H member’s animal(s) is unable to be exhibited for any reason (illness, death, etc.) and they have other project animals listed on their approval form that are eligible, then there is never any substitution allowed. They may show the remaining animals on their approval form.

Should a county have a member who misses an appropriate deadline, due to their not owning an animal at the time of the deadline or their only project animal(s) is (are) sick the county may make an exception for their county only. When a county makes the exception the youth’s Intent to Show form must be marked that these animals can be shown at their county fair only.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Equine Project
 

4-H Horse members can learn about horse care, riding, driving, showing in hand, gymkhana, equine management, nutrition, equine science, safety and careers in the equine project. A member may work with any type of equine including horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Members gain skills in basic horse care and may attain in-depth knowledge required in some horse events or disciplines. Horse ownership is not required; there is the borrowing (lease) option and there are many activities and knowledge events that do not require access to an animal.

County and state events allow the member to do demonstrations, public speaking, action exhibits, quiz bowls, judging, hippology, shows, fair programs and more.

At 4-H horse shows, classes for horses usually include: Fitting & Showmanship, Equitation and a variety of performance classes that may be mounted, driving, or in-hand. Refer to the New England 4-H Horse Rulebook and the NH Supplement for the range of classes and the standards that relate to them.

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year with differing requirements at some events. (12 to 18 for ESE, 14 to 18 for Regional and National Events)
Required Animal Age/Breeds: Horse must be over two years of age to be shown in under saddle classes. No stallions over one year of age or mares nursing foals are allowed to be shown in 4-H shows. All breeds and grade (non-registered) horses are welcomed. All types of equines including donkeys, mules, miniature horses, draft horses, and ponies are suitable for this project.

Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination – initial vaccination must be at least 30 days prior to shows or events. Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.
Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Check with your veterinarian as vaccination and biosecurity recommendations change frequently.

Animal Identification: No permanent ID required. You must include photos on your 4-H Online Animal Registration form or breed registration papers (must be solely in the 4-H member’s name) to qualify for Eastern States Exposition (the Big E).

Intent to Show/4-H Online Animal Registration: Must be complete with animal information and verification on or before the deadline for Eastern States Exposition (the Big E). If the animal is registered solely in the 4-H member’s name, 4-H Online Animal Registration is not required.
Due Date: April 1st for horses eligible for ESE. None required for NH 4-H County and State Shows but may be required for fairs and other shows offering 4-H classes.

Animal Borrowing Form (formerly Lease): Borrowing form must be complete with animal information and all signatures on or before the Intent to Show form deadline.
Due Date: April 1 for Big E; not required for other shows.

Helmet Release: Must be signed by member and parent/guardian.

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals: Replacement equines are allowed at County and State 4-H Horse Shows. Local and fair 4-H shows may have differing rules. No substitution is allowed for Big E.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals: Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies (initial vaccination given at least 30 days prior to the event). A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended. Rabies vaccinations cannot be given to 4-H animals under three months of age.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Sheep Project
 

4-H Sheep members learn about the care and nutrition of sheep and lambs, as well as breed differences and wool production, whether they are interested in meat production or fleece production. While it isn’t necessary to own a sheep or lamb, there are opportunities for showing for those who want to.

The term “Sheep” refers to animals that are over one year of age. A yearling is a sheep between one and two years of age that may or may not have produced offspring. In 4-H, a sheep cannot be shown for more than two years. Some yearlings have had a lamb and can be shown as a yearling. Lambs are less than one year of age. They usually have not produced offspring. Lamb is also the term for the meat of a young domestic sheep eaten as food. A mature female sheep is called a ewe. A young female sheep is called a ewe lamb. The process of giving birth is called lambing. A mature male sheep is called a ram or buck. A young male sheep is called a ram lamb. A castrated male is called a weather.

There are more breeds of sheep than breeds of any other livestock species. There are 47 breeds in the United States alone divided into the following breed types:  • meat • fine wool • long wool • dual purpose • hair and • minor breeds. Sheep come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be differentiated by their primary purpose (meat, wool, milk), the type of fibers they grow (fine, medium, long, carpet wool; or hair), the
color of their faces (black, white, red, or mottled), and various production or physical characteristics.

Participant Age: 8 -18 as of January 1 of the current year
Required Animal Age: 4 months of age or older to go to any 4-H fair or event. Sheep over two years of age cannot be shown at any NH 4-H Fair or at Eastern States.

Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination – initial vaccination must be at least 30 days prior to shows or events and must be current (not more than 1 year). Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.
Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Check with your veterinarian as vaccination and biosecurity recommendations change frequently.

Required Animal Identification: Permanent ID – The animal must have an ear tag or ear tattoo and an official Scrapie ID tag in their ear. They can have a microchip providing a reader is available. For information on Scrapie ID tags, call the State Veterinarian’s Office at the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food in Concord, 603-271-3551.

4-H Online Animal Registration/ Intent to Show Form is required for all animals exhibited at a NH 4-H show, fair or event.
Due Date: June 1st in 4HOnline (or paper form received at county office)

Animal Borrowing Form (formerly Lease): Borrowing form Lease form must be complete with animal information and all signatures.
Due Date:  June 1st

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals: If a 4-H member’s ONLY project animals dies, is critically ill to the point of being “unusable”, or is deemed unsafe for the 4-H member to use as a project, after having been properly listed on their Intent to Show form, the 4-H County staff member may verify the loss or condition, and allow the 4-H member one replacement project animal. A new Intent to Show form is to be submitted. In this instance, the replacement animal can be shown at all fairs (except Eastern States).

If a 4-H member’s animals are unable to be exhibited for any reason (illness, death, etc.) and they have other project animals listed on their Intent to Show form that are eligible, then there is no substitution allowed. They may show the remaining animals on their Intent to Show form only. Should a county have a member who misses an appropriate deadline, due to their not owning an animal at the time of the deadline or their only project animal(s) is (are) sick the county may make an exception for their county
only. When a County makes the exception the youth’s Intent to Show form must be marked that these animals can be shown at their county fair only. Replacement animals are not eligible for Eastern States.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals: Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county 4-H Presents day, or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended. All 4-H project animals must be at least four months of age by show day to be shown, exhibited, or brought to any 4-H event.

Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book for additional health requirements.

4-H Livestock Auction
If you are interested in raising, showing, and selling a market lamb check out the information on the NH 4-H Livestock Auction.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Swine Project
 

The 4-H Swine project is an exciting, rewarding and educational experience for 4-H members. Raising pigs requires little room, expense, equipment and even time. A market hog project can be completed in as little as four months, where a swine breeding project may go on for a few years.

The words “swine”, “hogs”, and “pigs” refer to animals in the porcine family. The term swine is used to refer to the porcine family in a general way and the term pig is used to refer to a young animal. “Hog” is generally used when referring to an animal that is at or near market weight, which is 200-300 pounds. The term “barrow” refers to a neutered male and “gilt” means young female. A “sow” is a female pig which has had a litter of piglets (baby pigs). The term farrowing refers to the act of a sow giving birth and the term feeder pig refers to a young pig 30-40 pounds.

The goal of the 4-H swine project is to encourage integrity, sportsmanship, cooperation and communication while learning about pigs. There are two general 4-H project areas a 4-H member can pursue, the market hog program started with feeder pigs, and the swine breeding program started with either a purebred or crossbred gilt or sow. A gilt may be selected from a feeder pig and later mated and cared for through gestation and farrowing for the next year’s program.

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Required Animal Age: A market hog program is started with feeder pigs(s) weighing between 40-50 pounds, approximately 4 months of age. A swine breeding program is started with a pig six months old and older.

Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination (recommended vet administered) 30 days and not more than one year prior to the date of the show. All swine must originate from non-quarantined, Brucellosis and Pseudorabies Free herds and be clinically free from all other infectious and communicable diseases. A pig must be at least 4 months old to go to a 4-H event or Fair.

Required Animal Identification: Permanent Identification required. Tattoo or Ear Notch.

4-H Online Animal Registration/ Intent to Show Form: Must be complete with animal
information and all verification
Due Date: June 1st in 4Honline (or paper version to your County Extension Office)

Borrowing Form (formerly Lease Form) (when applicable): Form must be complete with animal information and all signatures.
Due Date: June 1st to your County Extension Office

NH 4-H Policy on Replacement Animals: If a 4-H member’s only project animals dies, is
critically ill to the point of being “unusable”, or is deemed unsafe for the 4-H member to use as a project, after having been properly listed on their approval form, the County 4-H staff member may verify the loss or condition, and allow the 4-H member one replacement project animal. A new Animal Intent to Show form is to be submitted. In this instance, the replacement animal can be shown at all fairs (except Eastern States).

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals: Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended. Always check with individual fair regulations for their requirements as some may require veterinarian certification.

Rabies vaccinations cannot be given to 4-H animals under three months of age AND we require the vaccination be given at least 30 days prior to exhibiting an animal. All 4-H project animals must be at least four months of age by show day to be shown, exhibited or brought to any 4-H event. For instance, a piglet born on April 31 could not be vaccinated until July 31 and couldn’t be exhibited or brought to a 4-H event before August 31. Always check the fair book for the deadlines for the show you plan to participate in. Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book
for additional health requirements.

Introduction to the New Hampshire 4-H Working Steer Project

The 4-H Working Steer Project allows youth the opportunity to train a pair of steers (castrated males) to work together as a team. Oxen are not a special breed of animal, but simply a working bovine (neutered bull). Technically, an “ox” is a mature individual age four years or more. Prior to reaching maturity they are called “working steers”. A single animal is an ox and the plural is oxen. This project is growing in popularity due to the numerous classes that a youth and their team can participate in.

Some of the classes offered at some NH Fairs include: *Fitting and Showmanship *Cart Class *Best Matched *Best Trained Pair *Pulling Class
The working steer project requires a long-term commitment, dedication and a strong desire to work consistently and frequently to effectively train teams of steers. Up to eight 4-H members, 12 and older, are selected with their teams to attend the New England Youth Working Steer Competition at the Eastern States Exposition (ESE or the Big E) with one alternate serving as a team assistant. This competition brings together the best young teamsters from throughout the New England area. The selection process is based on the performance by the youth and their team at two out of three qualifying shows: New Hampshire 4-H Working Steer Show, Stratham Fair and Cheshire Fair.

Youth must participate in a minimum of two qualifying shows to be eligible for ESE but may participate in all three if desired. An individual’s two highest scores of the three shows will be combined and averaged to determine their final score.

Required Participant Age: 8-18 as of January 1 of the current year (12 and older for ESE)
Required Animal Age: 4 - 6 months of age or older

Animal Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination – initial vaccination must be at least 30 days prior to shows or events and must be current (not more than 1 year). Animals must be healthy/free from signs of communicable disease prior to attending any show or event. Certificate of veterinary inspection may be required by some events and is required to bring an animal outside the state of NH.

Recommended Animal Vaccinations: Check with your veterinarian as vaccination and biosecurity recommendations change frequently.

Animal Identification: Permanent ID – Ear tag (preferred) or legible tattoo

4-H Online Animal Registration or Intent to Show Form is required for all animals exhibited at a NH 4-H show, fair or event.
Due Date: May 1st for ESE,  June 1st for NH Fairs and shows

Animal Borrowing Form (formerly Lease): Borrowing form must be complete with animal information and all signatures for ESE.
Due Date: May 1st,  June 1st for NH Fairs and shows

may choose a new team.

All replacement animals/teams must be approved by the 4-H Working Steer Advisory Committee. All members are encouraged to list possible alternate teams on their intent to show forms prior to May 1st.

If a 4-H member’s animals are unable to be exhibited for any reason (illness, death, etc.) and they have other project animals listed on their approval form that are eligible, then there is never any substitution allowed.

Rabies Requirements for NH 4-H Animals: Upon the recommendation of the New Hampshire State Veterinarian, all mammals shown or exhibited at New Hampshire 4-H events including fairs, shows, clinics, 4-H club meetings, county activities day or any other event sponsored by 4-H, must have a current inoculation for rabies given at least 30 days prior to the event. A licensed veterinarian administered rabies vaccination is recommended.

Other health requirements vary by species and show. Individual shows and fairs may have additional vaccination and health requirements as recommended by the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office. Always check the fair book for additional health requirements.